19.01.2025 Film

Screening of ‘A Bear Named Wojtek’ (with Q&A) & ‘War Game’ @ BFI Southbank

Join a special screening featuring 'A Bear Named Wojtek' (2023) and 'War Game' (2002) - award-winning animated short films.

19 January 2025, 12:30 pm, BFI Southbank, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XT

Tickets will be on sale from 5 December 2024, 12 pm

Dive into two remarkable films that capture the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds forged in times of war. These compelling stories, inspired by true events, reflect themes deeply rooted in Polish history as well as the experiences of soldiers in wartime.

Following the screening of ‘A Bear Named Wojtek’, a Q&A session to delve deeper into the story.

‘A Bear Named Wojtek’ tells the true story of an orphaned bear adopted by Polish soldiers in WWII, becoming a symbol of hope, loyalty, and resilience amid the challenges of war and exile. This production won a prize at last year’s British Animation Awards. (Runtime: 28 minutes)

‘War Game’ follows three friends who leave their peaceful lives to fight in WWI, finding brief unity and hope in a game of football before returning to the brutal realities of war. It is an award-winning adaptation of Michael Foreman’s novel. (Runtime: 29 minutes)

These stories will leave you inspired, reminding us of the power of courage and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges.

Both films are suitable for children aged 8 and upwards.

Learn more about the screening here.

Read an interview with the director of ‘A Bear Named Wojtek’ here.

Watch ‘The Making of A Bear Named Wojtek‘:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLVB785pfvk
Scheduled Film

Kinoteka Polish Film Festival 2026 🗓

Full line-up of films and events announced! Taking place in London and select cities across the UK from 4 February to 29 March 2026.
04 02.2026 29 03.2026 Events, Film, History, News

Public Video Installation Opening – ‘Repeat After

A night of collaboration and an immersive experience of sounds. Witness how the trauma of Ukrainian refugees shapes the art.
06 02.2026 03 03.2026 Events, Film, Visual arts

Polish-Scottish Mini Festival 2026 – an interdisciplinary

Music, film, dance and the art of memory come together once again in the Polish-Scottish Mini Festival 2026 - an interdisciplinary celebration marking nine years of cultural dialogue in Aberdeen.
31 01.2026 07 03.2026 Events, Film, Music